August 2026 Eclipses: Power Gained or Power Lost?

Ursula @Lunardakini
Aug 5
4 min read

The Dragons have arrived: The Astrology of August 2026

Solar and Lunar Eclipses Are Coming

In ancient China, dragons were believed to try to devour the Sun and the Moon, causing eclipses. During eclipses, people would make loud noises with instruments to frighten the dragon away and prevent it from destroying these celestial bodies.

In Indian astrology, the supreme deity punished an arrogant god by severing his head after he deceitfully drank the nectar of immortality that was not meant for him. According to the myth, solar and lunar eclipses represent this god's eternal, futile search for his "head" and "tail"—a search that keeps humanity trapped in the cycle of rebirth rather than leading to enlightenment.

These mythologies reflect the fateful nature traditionally associated with eclipses and the profound psychological impact they have had on human minds.

The Leo–Aquarius Eclipse Cycle Begins

The biggest astrological news of August is that the lunar nodes move into the Leo–Aquarius axis for the next year and a half. This means that both solar and lunar eclipses will occur in these signs.

A solar eclipse in Leo takes place on August 12, occurring for the first time in 9 years with the North Node (and, in this case, the South Node in Leo only once 19 years). Think back to what was happening in your life in 2017, and before that, around 2008.

Solar eclipses in Leo are traditionally associated with the rise or fall of "royalty"—or in modern terms, celebrities, politicians, and other influential figures. The Leo–Aquarius axis often represents struggles over power, whether personal or collective.

On a personal level, this eclipse may bring renewed courage and confidence in the area of life ruled by the Leo house in your birth chart.

This year, Jupiter has also recently entered Leo, adding both drama and the potential for good fortune. Those rising to positions of influence or popularity may experience exceptional luck and pride, while others who cling to power could unexpectedly be forced aside.

It is also possible that those who rise quickly now may later experience an equally dramatic downfall, as eclipses are inherently unpredictable. The same principle applies in personal life: pursuing an overly ambitious plan during this period may not unfold according to expectations.

The Final Pisces Lunar Eclipse

The lunar eclipse in Pisces on August 27 is the last one in Pisces and will not occur again for another 9 or the exact node and sign for another 18-19 years.

This eclipse brings closure to the transformations that have shaken the Pisces–Virgo axis, particularly the Pisces sector of your birth chart. One final lunar eclipse in the opposite sign, Virgo, will occur on February 20, 2027, providing the finishing touches to the changes that have unfolded in Virgo.

It should be noted, however, that these final eclipses in Pisces and Virgo may not be easy. If, over the past year and a half, you have been willing—or forced—to make courageous decisions, these eclipses are more likely to pass without too much major drama.

However, if you have been holding on to the past and resisting change, these eclipses might make it abundantly clear that clinging to old patterns is no longer an option.

Venus and Mars: Agreements, Commitments, and Personal Will

Venus enters Libra, the sign it rules, on August 6. In its home sign, Venus is well placed to support agreements, relationships, diplomacy, and all matters requiring balance and cooperation.

Toward the end of the month, however, Venus begins the early stages of a challenging retrograde process that continues into November. Although August may appear to begin smoothly, this can be deceptive. During October and November, both Venus and Mercury will be retrograde simultaneously, requiring us to revisit difficult negotiations and unresolved issues that we thought had already been settled.

Mars, which symbolizes our drive, determination, and energy, enters Cancer on August 11, the day before the solar eclipse. Mars will eventually form an exact square with Saturn on September 1.

Mars does not function particularly comfortably in Cancer. Combined with the challenging square to Saturn, we may feel a strong desire to take action while simultaneously experiencing intense stress or external pressure related to family, home, or our immediate surroundings, creating tension with what we wish to accomplish as individuals.

In addition, Mars is already approaching an unusually long and tricky retrograde cycle beginning in late September, with effects lasting until the spring of 2027.

October and early November are therefore likely to be particularly challenging in matters involving negotiations, finances, communication, and relationships, as Venus and Mercury will both be retrograde at the same time, followed by Mars' retrograde beginning in January.